Why Religion Matters: Religious Literacy, Culture and Diversity

Why is religion important? How does religion influence people and the way we address global challenges? Find out on this online course from The Open University.

Duration

4 weeks

Weekly study

3 hours

100% online

How it works

Unlimited subscription

Learn more

Established

1969

Location

Milton Keynes, UK

World ranking

Source: Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020

Consider the ways religion affects personal and political decision-making

Religion not only influences personal behaviours and ethics, but it’s also relevant to international conflicts and domestic policy decisions. On this course, you will gain a broader understanding of why religion matters in society and in different cultures.

You will understand the concepts of religious literacy and religious diversity, both within different societies and religious traditions themselves. You will also use case studies to explore Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and indigenous religious traditions in both historical and contemporary contexts.

What topics will you cover?

WEEK 1: Why religion matters - Religious literacy is important

· Why does religion matter?

· What is religious literacy?

· Why religious literacy matters

· Internal diversity in religion

WEEK 2: Change and choice in religion

· Dynamic and changing religions

· Religious resources for change

· Religious identity and choice

WEEK 3: Religion/culture and religious violence

· Religion/culture – All aspects of being human

· Religion and violence

WEEK 4: Engaging with confidence

· When different worlds collide

· Principles of interaction

· What would you do?

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